On the search for Fair Trade

Have you ever made the effort to find Fair Trade products in your local stores? Sometimes it's a hit and sometimes it's a miss, right? But what can you do about it?

According to Green America's Guide to Fair Trade, "If you don't see the Fair Trade label in local stores, approach the manager or write the company requesting that they carry Fair Trade."

And if you find they are already carrying Fair Trade products, make sure you thank them for making the products available. They need to know that customers like you care about the origins of the products you buy. 

Fair Trade at The Shepherd's Door

Here in Pittsburgh, there are numerous stores that make carrying Fair Trade products a priority. Stores like Whole Foods, Ten Thousand Villages, etc. are obvious choices. But many small, independently-owned stores do as well. If you're ever in the North Boros, stop by The Shepherd's Door, located at 563 Lincoln Avenue in Bellevue, PA. They have a lovely array of Fair Trade jewelry, gifts, decor items, coffee, jellies, olive oils, toys, greeting cards, and more! And if you drop in, make sure you ask for my husband, Bill, and tell him I sent you. 

Oh, and if you haven't already picked up a copy of my book, VINEGAR FRIDAYS, you can get your copy right there. 

Shop Fair Trade. Shop local. It matters. It always matters.

If you would like more information about organizing a campaign to get your local supermarket to stock Fair Trade, contact Green America at fairtrade@greenamericatoday.org for an organizing toolkit.

Keeping it green and fair,